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      2023 Yamaha MT15 Old Vs New Walkaround – Top 5 Changes

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      As part of MY2023 upgrade, Yamaha is now offering LED turn indicators, dual-channel ABS, TCS, OBD II diagnostics, and new colours2023 Yamaha MT15 – Old vs New. Image – Burn Piston 2.0Yamaha, came up with a naked version of its flagship R15, named MT15. This had the same beating heart as its race-faired sibling, albeit in a more affordable package. It featured a robotic face, reminiscent of Micheal Bay’s Transformers movies and overall athletic charisma.It looked right, performed right and was priced below R15 with mostly the same mechanicals. In April 2022, Yamaha updated MT15 with USD front forks, an aluminium swingarm, Bluetooth connectivity and more for a price bump of Rs. 13K. When Yamaha MT-15 Version 2.0 was launched, it garnered a reputation for being pricey. It lacked certain features that owners would expect from a motorcycle priced at a premium. Some of those features are now added by Yamaha for MY2023. Let’s take a look at 5 key takeaways when compared to the outgoing model.Yamaha MT15 Old Vs NewWe have covered MY2023 MT-15 before. Since there is no official information divulged from Yamaha’s end, there are very few things known about this new model. We have compiled 5 key elements where MY2023 Yamaha MT-15 comes off as a better-equipped motorcycle. Hat tip to Burn Piston 2.0 for sharing their video with us.For starters, Yamaha is now offering dual-channel ABS. This is the most significant addition to MT15. Dual-channel ABS was speculated to make it on MT-15 with Version 2.0, but it wasn’t. The second most significant update to MY2023 MT15 is the addition of a traction control system (TCS). Yamaha has made TCS switchable too, which is handy if the system is ever too intrusive.[embedded content][embedded content]Both dual-channel ABS and TCS were on offer in R15 V4 since day one. Now, they are a part of its naked sibling MT15 too. Third addition to the 2023 model is the new OBD II monitoring and diagnostics. According to reports, diagnostics reports can be retrieved from Yamaha’s smartphone app as well. This means RDE compliance, meeting phase II of BS6 norms.2023 Yamaha MT15 – Old vs NewThe fourth addition is more of a feel-good addition, instead of a must-have. Weirdly, it is LED turn indicators. We say weirdly because it is a head-scratcher how Yamaha got away with offering halogen bulbs on its flagship products in India. Not just Yamaha, but many other bike makers follow this practice. Price-according features should be a no-brainer, right?New ColoursThis might seem trivial. However, it should have been included in the package since day one. Until now, Yamaha only offered LED turn indicators as a paid accessory. Heck, non-M variants of R15 V4 shockingly still don’t get LED blinkers in MY2023 models as well. Sticking with 2023 MT-15, we now get new colour combinations. A metallic Black shade with Fluorescent Red wheels was never offered before.2023 Yamaha MT15 – Old vs NewThere is still no word about turn-by-turn navigation added with MY2023 MT-15 and R15. This was the one feature that people craved since Bluetooth was added. Except for these five changes, Yamaha MT-15 has been kept identical to the outgoing model. This means the same robotic face, handsome design and the 155cc 4V VVA engine with 18.4 PS of power and 14.2 Nm of torque. Launch is on Feb 13th and a price hike will be associated too. More

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      Ola Teases 5 Electric Motorcycles – 2023 S1 Scooter Variants, Prices

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      Earlier, Ola S1 Air only got a sole 2.5 kWh battery and now it offers a choice between 2 kWh, 3 kWh and 4 kWh as wellUpcoming Ola Electric Motorcycles TeasedOla Electric as an EV maker, has come a long way since its very inception. Their enthusiastic CEO Bhavish Aggarwal has lead his prized possession to what it is today – Ola Electric is the highest-selling 2W EV maker in India with sales crossing 18,000 mark in January 2023.Not only is the company offering new variants for the S1 range of electric scooters, we now have first teasers of the upcoming Ola electric motorcycle. This might be uncharted waters for Ola, but seeing their success in the electric scooter segment, one expects a similar performance going forward.Ola Teases 5 Electric MotorcyclesLet’s get the juicy bits out of the way first and then cover sensible bits. For starters, there is not one, but five different electric motorcycles that Ola has teased today. Sure, these are still in the design phase. It is likely that in the prototyping stage, they will be slightly toned down.Ola has tried to diversify its interests by widening the horizon where motorcycle body styles are concerned. At the center of it all, we have an electric ADV with Adventure insignia on it. It is visibly the largest of the bunch too. This is likely to go head-to-head with the upcoming electric Himalayan. It features knuckle guards, a futuristic design approach and a lot more.[embedded content][embedded content]We have a new cafe racer with a futuristic appeal too. This is unlike anything we have seen before in India or even the world (production motorcycles). It has a chunky face with sleek LED elements. Handlebars come out of it looking like horns of a raging bull. It gets an illuminated rear wheel, indicating it might feature a hub motor. Or it might just be a design element too.There is a street bike beside the ADV and is likely to be the least expensive offering among the five. Other two motorcycles look like they’re both flat trackers. In reality, one of them is likely to be a Scrambler, while the other one is definitely a flat tracker.S1 Electric Scooter LineupOla S1 range has been paramount for the brand in its success. Last year, we saw the addition of S1 Air, an inexpensive variant of the S1 and S1 Pro. It came with a 2.5 kWh battery pack, and has been taken offline and a 2 kWh priced Rs. 84,999, 3 kWh priced at Rs. 99,999 and a 4 kWh starting from Rs. 1,09,999 options are launched. People who booked 2.5 kWh option, will get a free upgrade to 3 kWh.2023 Ola S1 Electric Scooter LineupA 4.5 kW motor is standard with S1 Air lineup with a top speed of 85 km/h. Range varies from 85 km with a 2 kWh option, 125 km with a 3 kWh option and 165 km with a 4 kWh option. S1 Pro is kept as is with 4 kWh battery and 8.5 kWh motor with 116 km/h top speed and 181 km range. However, S1 range is now extended with a 2 kWh battery option.This is priced at Rs. 99,999 and gets an 8.5 kW motor with a 90 km/h top speed and 91 km of range. While S1 with a 3 kWh battery pack is retained as is with a 95 km/h top speed and 141 km of range. Priced at Rs. 1,09,999. Note: All prices are ex-sh, Bengaluru. Deliveries will commence in July 2023. More

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      New Royal Enfield L Series Launch Plans – First Electric Motorcycle

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      Royal Enfield L-Series EV Platform: A basic guideline of the path leading up to launchImage for illustration purpose. Credit – Gagan ChoudharyWe all know that a shift to a greener future in the automobile segment is in progress. Whether this greener future is dependent on Hydrogen or EVs or hybrids, it is not yet clear. Manufacturers are trying all available tech to build a greener future. Reliance Industries and Ashok Leyland just showcased Hydrogen run IC engines.For now, it seems that electric tech has a greater chance of being the future automotive industry. Global and Indian electric motorcycle industry expansion caters to eco-friendly and cost-efficient vehicles. Manufacturers compete to provide the latest technology and design to attract consumers. Indian buyers are becoming increasingly aware of the benefits of electric motorcycles.And the current e-scooter market shows they’re willing to pay a premium for them. Introduction of advanced EV models is an area of key interest. And Royal Enfield understands this perfectly well. It has previously been hinted that the brand is developing EVs. And now, new reports divulge more information about RE’s EV platform.New Royal Enfield L Series Launch PlansRoyal Enfield has been busy with research and development on EV tech, leading to the Electrik01 prototype prototype. The shift towards EVs is not difficult for a legacy brand like Royal Enfield, but the direction in which the brand goes will be interesting to know.Royal Enfield buys stake in Stark Electric MotorcycleRoyal Enfield’s first EV platform, codename L-platform, will feature various model/body types to be termed as L1A, L1B, and L1C. The EV lineup will cater to diverse motorcycling needs of global customers. The L-series platform is designed with a 96V architecture for electrifying performance, with a launch expected in H2 2024.Significant investments crucial to technological developmentRoyal Enfield plans to invest over $100-150 million in electric vehicle (EV) development. And has started work on its dedicated codenamed ‘L’ platform. Royal Enfield expects to sell 1.2-1.8 lakh electric motorcycles per annum. A prototype is expected to be showcased in the next 12 months. Validation by end 2023 would imply a ready for launch product by H2 2024.Given Royal Enfield’s marketing strategies, L-series EV platform will be utilised to create multiple body styles and will be marketed to global markets alongside India. In the meantime RE has to strategize for a balance between catering to existing classic bike fan base and its future EV customers.RE recently invested 50 million euros in Stark Future SL, a Spanish 2-wheel electric vehicle startupRE was allotted 55,363 Class A shares of Stark Future SL for a 10 percent stake in the EV startup. The transaction was completed on January 31, 2023. Both companies have entered into an agreement for research, technology sharing, technical licensing, and manufacturing of electric motorcycles. Operational since 2020, Stark Future SL has showcased its VARG electric motocross motorcycle.Financially, Royal Enfield has strong revenue and profit growth. However, its collaboration with Stark means high operational costs for now. Technologically, Royal Enfield has made significant investments in product development. And is yet to showcase its electric and digital technologies. While the manufacturer has a loyal customer base in India, its limited but growing international presence and brand recognition is an area of growth.Source More

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      Ather Electric Scooter Fire Incident Update – Official Statement

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      Ather 450X – Description of the fault, and how it led to the incident; damage limitation despite wiring harness catching fireAther Electric Scooter FireBy now, readers would be aware of the scooter fire in Bangalore. A few weeks ago, there was an incident involving an Ather electric scooter. But fear not. Ather Energy knows exactly what happened. And no, it didn’t blow up. The wiring harness did however catch fire. Even better, the customer is safe. And no further damage was reported.The root cause of the accident was traced back to a human error in the wiring harness assembly process. One of the connectors was improperly torqued, which led to sparking around the motor controller terminals. Although safety systems activated promptly to cut off power flow and limit damage, the wiring harness had already caught fire. Ather Energy has issued a statement to address the scooter fire.Ather Energy introduces two-step verification processIn taking full responsibility for this incident, Ather Energy has taken steps to ensure it does not happen again. Manufacturing operations have been updated and enhanced, including the introduction of a two-step verification process for the wiring harness assembly. This will help to reduce the risk of human error and increase the overall quality and safety of Ather e-scooters.Battery management systems (BMS) play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and reliability of electric vehicle (EV) batteries. The BMS monitors the battery cells in real-time, controlling the charging and discharging processes, and ensuring optimal battery performance. A dashboard safety system is also important in EVs, providing critical information to drivers, such as battery state-of-charge, range, and other performance metrics.[embedded content][embedded content]Explanation of the safety systems in place and how they prevented further damageIn the recent incident, it was confirmed that battery, BMS and dashboard systems performed as designed, and the battery remained unaffected. This highlights the high standards and rigorous testing protocols in place for EV battery systems.Ather Energy Official StatementIn all fairness, this appears to be an isolated incident. The incident has brought to light the importance of ensuring the highest standards of quality control. Ather Energy is committed to ensuring the safety and reliability of its e-scooters and continues to prioritise this in all operations. Case on point – Introduction of a two-step verification process for the wiring harness assembly.Electric two wheeler industry – high standards of quality and safetyElectric scooters are leading the way for EV sales. And as such, matters of breakdowns, fire, or even unsatisfactory performance are scrutinised with a fine tooth comb. Such concerns of existing and potential customers must be addressed promptly. Customers are looking for assurance that an EV manufacturer is committed to the safety and reliability of its products. As demand for EVs continues to grow, it’s crucial for manufacturers to prioritise battery and safety systems to ensure consumer confidence and trust. Adherence to international safety standards, such as UN 38.3, is essential to guarantee the safe and efficient operation of EVs.Companies are also investing in R&D to improve battery performance, safety and longevity, while reducing costs to make EVs more accessible to the masses. In conclusion, the battery, BMS, and dashboard safety systems are crucial components of any electric vehicle. As such, it’s imperative that manufacturers continue to prioritize and invest in their development to drive the growth and adoption of EVs. More

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      New Honda Activa Smart Delivery Starts – First Ride, Mileage Test

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      India’s best-selling scooter, Honda Activa gets more advanced and smarter with a host of class leading, first in segment featuresHonda Activa Smart Delivery Starts. Image – Harsh Verma.Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India launched the new Activa OBD2 compliant scooter ahead of its April 2023 deadline. Offered in three variants of Standard, Deluxe and Smart, prices are at Rs 74,536, Rs 77,036 and Rs 80,537 (ex-showroom), respectively. It is being presented in 6 colour options of Pearl Siren Blue (new), Decent Blue Metallic, Rebel Red Metallic, Black, Pearl Precious White and Matte Axis Grey Metallic.From April 2023, vehicles need to possess on-board diagnostic device (OBD) to monitor real time driving emission levels. The OBD will monitor key parts to ensure compliance with these new emission standards such as the catalytic converter and oxygen sensors. The device will indicate via warning lights when the vehicle has to be taken in for servicing.New Honda Activa Smart Test RideHonda Activa 2023 is HMSI’s first OBD2 (on-board diagnostics) compliant two-wheeler. It gets several smart features and technological innovations along with new patent applications with Smart Unlock, Smart Start, Smart Find and Smart Safe.Smart Find with the answer back button allows for easy locating of the scooter with all four blinkers blinking twice to locate the scooter. With the Smart Unlock feature users can unlock the vehicle without a physical key. In the event of the system noting no activity for 20 minutes following activation, the scooter gets deactivated. With deliveries now started, take a look at the first ride report of the new Honda Activa Smart as well as mileage test below, credit to Gear Update.[embedded content][embedded content]Honda Activa 2023 also gets Smart Start so that the scooter can be started without manually inserting key, if the Smart Key is within range of 2 meters of the vehicle. The rider can start the scooter by rotating the knob on Lock Mod to ignition position and push the start button. Smart Safe offers added safety for the Activa 2023. It gets a Mapped Smart ECU that acts as a security by electronically matching between ECU and SMART Key to prevent theft. This smart key comes with an immobilizer that exclusively allows only a registered user to operate the vehicleDesign and TechnologyActiva 2023 also comes in with a new design and added technology. New alloy wheels, 3D emblem, several chrome elements and a redesigned LED headlamp along with silver grab rail, new rear tail lamp and side blinkers are a part of these updated features. It gets a Passing Switch that offers control over high beam/low beam and passing signal from one single switch.Features include a 12 inch front wheel, a longer wheelbase relating to more floor space and class leading ground clearance. For more durability, the new Activa Smart also gets a full metal body while it is fitted with a double lid fuel opening system and 18 liter under seat storage.Power and performance is enhanced via the OBD compliant 110cc PGM-FI engine with Enhanced Smart Power (eSP) technology. This new tech minimizes friction and offers silent start. The engine with ACG starter allows for smoother start. As per the mileage test, Honda Activa 2023 mileage stands at 50+ kmpl for rider, with pillion might decline to below 50 kmpl. New Activa Smart gets a Combi-Brake System (CBS) with Equalizer. Suspension is telescopic in the front and 3-step adjustable suspension at the rear. HMSI has also announced the plans to launch Activa Electric scooter in Jan 2024. More

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      2023 Suzuki Gixxer Updated – New Colours, Bluetooth, Prices

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      In pricing, Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 competes with Yamaha R15 – It offers 94cc more displacement, 8 bhp more power and 8 Nm more torque2023 Suzuki Gixxer UpdatedIf there is one sub-brand in motorcycle market in India that is really underrated, it has to be Gixxer series by Suzuki. There are two body styles and two powertrain options. Permutations and combinations yield 4 different models. Gixxer and Gixxer 250 are naked street bikes, while Gixxer SF and Gixxer SF 250 are faired sport bikes.There is a combination of factors acting against Suzuki’s Gixxer brand. Primary being looks. There have been split opinions in the past, especially with SF models. For 2023, Suzuki updates the Gixxer lineup entirely with new colours and offers Bluetooth connectivity found on V-Strom 250SX. Will this turn out to be a game-changer for Suzuki? Let’s take a look.2023 Suzuki Gixxer UpdatedFor 2023, Suzuki is hoping to turn Gixxer’s sales around. Suzuki sold just 8 units of Gixxer 250 and Gixxer SF 250 combined in December 2022. Similarly priced Classic 350 probably sells more than that in 30 minutes. Even though they’re not comparable, you get the point.In contrast, the 150cc Gixxer and Gixxer SF combined sold 649 units in Nov 2022. This is nowhere opposed to 7,427 units of R15 and 6,335 units of MT-15 sold in the same month. With MY2023, Suzuki hopes to turn that around. New colours include Metallic Matte Stellar Blue, Metallic Matte Black No.2 and Metallic Sonic Silver/ Metallic Triton Blue for Gixxer SF 250.2023 Suzuki GixxerMetallic Matte Stellar Blue and Metallic Matte Black No.2 are offered for Gixxer 250 street bike. Both 150cc Gixxer and Gixxer SF get Metallic Sonic Silver/ Pearl Blaze Orange, Metallic Triton Blue and Glass Sparkle Black options. Feature addition includes Bluetooth connectivity and a fully digital instrument console.They now get incoming call, SMS and WhatsApp Alert display and missed calls along with speed exceeding warnings, phone battery level display and the estimated time of arrival (ETA). This system is compatible with both Android and Apple devices. Also offered is turn-by-turn navigation too.Prices now start from Rs. 1,40,500 for Gixxer, Rs. 1,45,500 for Gixxer SF, Rs. 1,95,000 for Gixxer 250, Rs. 2,02,000 for Gixxer SF 250 and Rs. 2,02,500 for ECSTAR Edition named Metallic Sonic Silver/Metallic Triton Blue (prices ex-sh, Delhi).2023 Suzuki Gixxer PricesSpecs & LaunchSuzuki’s baby Gixxer lineup is derived from ‘Born Of Greatness’ DNA. But it is rather surprising how looks can decide a product’s fate. Mechanically, Gixxer series is equipped with a 155cc engine making 13.41 bhp and 13.8 Nm of torque, mated to a 5-speed gearbox.Gixxer 250 series is equipped with a 249cc engine making 26.13 bhp and 22.2 Nm, mated to a 6-speed gearbox. Price increment for 2023 lineup is Rs. 5,700 for Gixxer 150, Rs. 8,400 for Gixxer SF 150, Rs. 13,600 for Gixxer 250 and up to Rs. 10,400 for Gixxer SF 250 (all prices ex-sh, Delhi). It is yet to be seen how this impacts on newly launched Yamaha R15 and MT-15 lineup. More

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      2023 Yamaha R15 Gets TFT Display, LED Blinkers, New Colour

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      The single-cylinder 4V, liquid cooled 155cc engine with VVA making 18.4 PS and 14.2 Nm, is retained with 2023 Yamaha R152023 Yamaha R15Yamaha’s YZF-R range of motorcycles has a huge fan following globally. Yamaha neatly incorporates a single design language across the YZF-R lineup to make them look cohesive. This family DNA is especially a great draw with smaller capacity YZF-R range like R15, R125 and the likes.They come at a cost though. Despite being considerably pricier than a few similarly specced motorcycles, Yamaha has managed to attract a lot of buyers. The company strives to better this sub-quarter-liter lineup of its sporty machines. 2023 Yamaha R15 is no exception as there are now new feature additions that up the ante, and proportionately price too. Let’s take a look.2023 Yamaha R15Yamaha R15 is the company’s flagship product in India. It comes with a plethora of mechanical enhancements like variable valve actuation (VVA), liquid cooling, slipper clutch, quick shifter (only upshifts and not downshifts) and some more. Pricing for R15M goes till Rs. 1,93,400 (ex-sh).At this price point, buyers would want some features like LED turn indicators and a TFT screen. Both of these features were missing on R15. Now, 2023 Yamaha R15M V4 gets these features. However, these features are not standard. These feature additions are only for top-spec versions based on R15M. Even now, standard R15 V4 variants get halogen indicators and LCD instrument cluster like before.[embedded content][embedded content]Thanks to K2K Motovlogs, we have a walkaround video of the same. We know that Yamaha should have offered these features from day one, at least with M variants. These additions for R15 will be associated with a price hike. Expect 2023 Yamaha R15M to cost north of Rs. 2 lakh (ex-sh). Especially in top-spec R15M trim like Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Edition.2023 Yamaha R15 new TFT DisplayThere is improved switchgear to better control this new TFT screen with M models. This new switchgear helps navigate through the system better. This new display is likely to be around 5” in size and shows various parameters and comes with Bluetooth connectivity and a smartphone app as well. Details about turn-by-turn navigation are still mum, though. Yamaha has also launched 2023 R15 in a new matte black colour with gold accents and gold alloys.MT-15 Gets Dual-Channel ABSAlong with R15M, MT-15 gets the same LED blinkers. But Yamaha doesn’t offer a TFT display with MT-15 Ver 2.0. Sure, Yamaha has upgraded the MT-15 with dual-channel ABS. But if you want a TFT screen, you have to shell out more and go with R15 V4. As of now Yamaha MT-15 Ver 2.0 prices go till Rs. 1,66,400 (ex-sh) after a recent price hike.With these new upgrades and new editions, expect pricing to cross Rs. 1.7 lakh mark with top-spec Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Edition. It is yet to be seen if dual-channel ABS on MT-15 is standard or optional. Mechanically, both R15 V4 and MT-15 are identical to previous models. The same 155cc engine with 18.4 PS of power and 14.2 Nm of torque, mated to a 6-speed gearbox is standard. More

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      2023 Yamaha MT15 Dual ABS At Dealer – First Look Walkaround

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      Yamaha has been able to keep its portfolio refreshed by introducing cosmetic and functional updates at regular intervals2023 Yamaha MT15 Dual ABS2023 models of Yamaha’s popular bikes such as R15, MT-15 and FZ-X have started arriving at select dealerships. It indicates that these bikes will be launched soon.Visual updates are evident in the form of new colour options and other minor touch-ups. Functional updates include dual-channel ABS for FZ-X. 2023 models of R15, MT-15 and FZ-X will also be OBD-2 compliant. With the updates, these bikes are expected to be launched at a slightly higher pricing.2023 Yamaha MT15 WalkaroundExcluding OBD-2 compliance, the focus is primarily on cosmetic enhancements in case of R15 V4 and MT-15. 2023 Yamaha R15 gets a new matte black/gold colour theme. It’s a mix of black and light grey, with contrasting golden highlights. The bike has golden USD forks and golden coloured wheels. Existing colour options for R15 V4 include metallic red, dark knight and racing blue.Yamaha MT-15 gets a new colour theme of gloss black and red. Both wheels get the red shade, whereas the golden USD forks create an exciting contrast against the largely black colour scheme. Existing colour options for MT-15 include metallic black, ice fluo-vermillion, cyan storm, racing blue and Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Edition. K2K Motovlogs has shared a detailed first look walkaround of new 2023 MT15 dual ABS.[embedded content][embedded content]Yamaha FZ-X gets a new matte blue colour, which seems familiar to the one used on existing YZF-R15 V4. The blue shade has been used predominantly on the fuel tank and front fender. Much of the bike has a blacked-out look including the headlamp cowl, engine, exhaust and grab rail. The bike also gets golden coloured wheels. Existing colour options for FZ-X include matte copper, matte black and metallic blue.2023 Yamaha FZ-X also gets dual-channel ABS. It is possible that Yamaha may have two versions of FZ-X, going forward. One could be similar to the existing model, whereas the other could have an updated scrambler-like profile. The latter could get features such as new windscreen, high mounted front fender and tubular steel casing for the headlight. It is not certain if both variants of FZ-X will be getting dual-channel ABS.All three bikes are expected to be OBD-2 compliant. The deadline for the same is March 31, 2022. OBD-2 primarily enforces stricter emission norms via real-time monitoring of exhaust gases. On-board diagnostics systems can detect any variations from mandated emission norms.No performance tweaksMuch of the hardware will be the same for 2023 versions of R15, MT-15 and FZ-X. R15 and MT-15 share the same 155cc, liquid cooled, SOHC, 4-valve engine. It generates 18.4 PS of max power and 14.2 Nm of peak torque. It is mated to a 6-speed constant mesh transmission. Yamaha FZ-X is equipped with a 149cc, air cooled, SOHC, 2-valve engine that churns out 12.4 PS and 13.3 Nm. It is mated to a 5-speed transmission. More